8 Lia & David

" You are the strongest when you have nothing to lose ."

■Lia■

Growing up as the middle child, I knew I was easily replaceable. The self worth and appreciation I had for myself was little to nothing.

My parents were not evil people who starved me or abused me . But they were very materialistic. They wanted to be close to people who held rank and power in the pack.

My siblings also seemed to take after their ambitious genes. My elder sister was mated to the alpha of the alliance pack. My elder brother was nominated for membership of werewolf council.

My younger sister was right on track according to my parents , by which they meant how she shamelessly tried to flirt with high ranks males , not caring if they were mated.

Me , on the other hand , I was the black sheep of the family. The one that always lacked in studies, the one that didn't know ballet , the one that didn't hold ambition. The one who was an utter disappointment.

My parents never forgot to remind me about how I was nothing compared to my siblings. Giving me speeches about being like my elder sister or my brother.

Family dinners were exhausting when everyone had their story to share how they met this prestigious person or how much they had achieved while the biggest good news from me would be I got a "B" in calculus.

I tried to change myself. The last year of my high school, I tried to be a social butterfly. I tried to flirt with anyone I could. I even dated the famous Jock Ryan Clark.

He was a great company and we were considered a good couple. My parents were happy with me for once , as Ryan's parents were very well known and had connection with werewolf council.

As the day passed it became draining. My wolf refused to see a male in romantic way that wasn't my mate. Regardless of the disrespect , my family showed towards mates, they all were happy with their mates except my younger sister of course.

The little girl in me always dreamt of our mate , someone who would find me irreplaceable. He would just accept me For who I was and there would be no need to wear camouflage around him.

As my eighteenth birthday neared , I started to become giddy , excited and anxious.

What if he didn't like the way my voice sounded ?

Or the way I couldn't tame my wild curls neatly that resembled a bird nest in morning?

My wolf , Isla, was a great help trying to pacify me .

What I didn't expect was to meet my mate before my birthday. The fateful day , on which my mate was born eighteen years ago , I met him for the first time.

I had just broke up with Ryan as we both knew we were hopeless. Ryan seemed to be more relived than me . Turned out his wolf also didn't like to think of anyone other than his mate.

I was roaming in the corridors, not caring if I got caught while ditching calculus. I was so tired of trying to please my parents.

The citrus fruity smell evaded my nostrils , and my wolf let out a pleasurable purr.

I followed the fragrance like a spell bound zombie and it led me to the most handsome man , I have ever met in my life.

But my thoughts ceased to stop when I realised who he was. My mate was David Clark , who I would have been delighted to Hug and kiss if he wasn't openly gay.

David looked at me with wide eyes which soon turned into frustration and disappointment. Without giving me a second glance, he left the place like my very presence disgusted him.

I felt like someone punched me hard on chest just where my heart was placed.

Moon Goddess surely loved my misery . As if it wasn't enough to be not enough for my parents , now my mate couldn't even look at me.

Suddenly I regreted the decission of ditching calculus. At least the teacher didn't make me feel as worthless as my mate , even when I failed two consecutive tests.

Isla was so hurt and curled herself in a corner , letting out occasional whimper.

I couldn't bring myself to reveal that I found my mate . My family would get just another excuse to taunt me and that was the last thing I needed in my plate.

I was done being a push over. I was done throwing pity parties.

The next day , a new hope rose within me along with the sun. If my mate wanted to reject me , he could . I wanted clarity . I wanted to know where I stood.

I tried so hard to find David in school but it was like he disappeared in thin air.

I was desperate by the time school ended and that's how my legs automatically took me to Elena, my only hope.

I will be waiting for you in CCD . 6 PM. ~Lia.

Sending this message , I didn't dare to check my phone until I reached home. There wasn't a reply but he had seen my message.

No matter if he comes or not but I surely would get my answers tonight.

Six o'clock couldn't have come sooner. I had deliberately chose a public place , hoping he had the decency to not reject me in front of people.

Now that seemed like a bad idea. What if he was so angry that he didn't care enough ? What if he just rejected me in front of everyone ?

Waiting for 15 minutes felt like hours . For a moment I thought he wouldn't come. I felt the dejection clouding my body language as I slouched on the chair.

The chair in front of me made scarping noise and I was pleasantly surprised with the sight of my mate sitting in front of me.

"H-Hi ." I stuturred pathetically making him raise a brow at me . He must be surprised because no matter what I was always confident in front of people.

" Look I won't beat around the bush. Are you going to reject me ?" I closed my eyes after asking the question. I didn't know what his answer would be or how would I react to that but what I knew was I couldn't be left hanging anymore.

" Do you want me to ?" He asked while sipping the coffee that I had ordered for him beforehand. It must be cold by now but he didn't seem to mind.

" Mate is a very sacred concept for me like every other wolf. I have dreamt of my mate since I came to know about it. I know this is the last thing you might have expected. But I just...I just don't want you to give up on me..please. " a tear slipped my eye as I uttered those words with desperate pleading.

I felt David placing his hand on the top of mine and the tingles soothed my agonised soul.

" I have no intention of rejecting you. I don't want to give you false hope that it would be an easy journey. I have been who I am for a while and I can't suddenly be not gay. But what I can promise is I am willing to try. " His words felt like hope lightening up my soul. I knew where he was coming from. It wouldn't be easy but it would be worth it.

The road was going to be difficult. Then again the most difficult roads often lead to the most beautiful destination.